454cu Cooling Problems

EdV

07-30-2006, 12:54 AM

HELP! I have a 1983 454cu motor installed in a 1970 ¾ ton GMC Pickup truck. Confounding problems with the cooling or should I say overheating problems but not really boil over. The motor will remain at normal operating range as long as the vehicle is moving down the street and without the AC on. Lost at the dilemma I had the motor rebuilt, but it still ran really hot. The shop tried different water pumps for the 454 funny thing all of the pumps were too long to fit with out hitting the radiator that must be because the truck came with a L47 400cu motor according to the specification sheet that came with the vehicle. I replaced the water pump previously, we compared it to in-stock pumps at the auto parts store the only match was to the 400 motor. Checked or replaced all of the components that the pros have told me, such as various cooling Fans; electric fans, flex fan, clutch fan, new rebuilt 4 core Radiator, vacuum leaks, timing, carburetion. I was talking to a guy that said he had the same problem his remedy was something about the crossover in the intake manifold ? and that the timing gear alignment could be adjusted? Now this was quite some time ago I am pretty sure that is what he said. What are your thoughts, anybody that can help out with this situation will be appreciated. EdV

Sorry, didn't mean to enter your sancuary. At least I got it to post albeit the wrong place but you guys were nice about it and helped me out with the right place to go, You'll be 57 some day and hopefully the young guys will at that time be as cool as you. Ta for now

my99cavy

08-01-2006, 01:57 PM

Sorry, didn't mean to enter your sancuary. At least I got it to post albeit the wrong place but you guys were nice about it and helped me out with the right place to go, You'll be 57 some day and hopefully the young guys will at that time be as cool as you. Ta for nowyeah no problem EDV just trying to help out the fellow car enthusiast. :lol:

Cavalier2000

08-01-2006, 03:55 PM

but to answer your question, trucks have problems with airflow running through the front, try putting a 3 core radiator (if you don't already have one) and try using an aluminum rad. or you can take the stock fan off and run yourself a dual electric fan and have it running alot. Also use a lower opening thermy, (or i had to actually take my out in my truck which is one way to do it) and something called water wetter worrks as well

EdV

08-01-2006, 08:10 PM

thanks for the come back, all info helps

Cavalier2000

08-02-2006, 10:26 AM

See how many cores your rad is though that could make a huge difference, I have a video somewere (lost in the net probably) of my truck racing a 5.0 mustange and just watching the temp guage go up faster than the speedo, well that is till the huge 85mph speedo ran out of numbers